Trisamide compounds and compositions comprising the same

ABSTRACT

A composition comprises one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     in which R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a composition as described above and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trimesic acid derivative.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/125,374, which was filed on Dec. 14, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to trisamide compounds (specifically, trisamide derivatives formally derived from trimesic acid [i.e., benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid]) and compositions comprising the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polymer resins are widely used in a variety of areas due to, among other things, their excellent processability, mechanical properties (especially on a relative weight basis), and electrical properties. Although the polymers themselves may have beneficial properties, additives may be used to further enhance those properties and/or mitigate shortcomings.

Polyolefins are a group of polymer resins that are particularly versatile. Polyolefins are semicrystalline polymers. A polyolefin which has been allowed to cool relatively slowly (e.g., such as the cooling that takes place during the production of molded plastic parts) contains amorphous regions in which the polymer chains are randomly arranged and crystalline regions in which the polymer chains have assumed an orderly configuration. Within these crystalline regions of the polyolefin, the polymer chains align into domains commonly referred to as “crystalline lamellae.” Under normal processing conditions, the crystalline lamellae grow radially in all directions as the polyolefin polymer cools from the molten state. This radial growth results in the formation of spherulites, which are spherical semicrystalline regions composed of multiple crystalline lamellae interrupted by amorphous regions. The size of the spherulites is affected by several parameters and can range from hundreds of nanometers to millimeters in diameter. When the spherulite size is appreciably larger than the wavelength of visible light, the spherulites will scatter visible light passing through the polymer. This scattering of visible light results in a hazy appearance which is commonly referred to as “polymer haze” or simply “haze.” While appreciable levels of polymer haze may be acceptable in some applications, there are certain applications (e.g., storage containers) in which consumers desire relatively transparent plastics, which requires correspondingly low haze levels.

Over the years, several approaches have been developed to reduce haze in polyolefins. One approach that has enjoyed much commercial success entails the use of clarifying agents. Clarifying agents are additives (frequently organic compounds) that, when melt processed with the polymer, nucleate the crystallization of the cooling polymer and reduce spherulite size or even substantially prevent the formation of these efficient light scattering entities. For example, bis(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol enjoyed much commercial success because of its ability to reduce haze in polypropylene polymers. However, bis(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol was not without its limitations. In particular, the clarifying agent is unable to reduce haze in polypropylene polymers to a point that rivals the haze levels of more transparent polymers, such as polystyrene and acrylic resins. The residual haze of polymers clarified with bis(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol limits their applications and end uses.

Other clarifying agents have been developed in an attempt to address the limitations of the sorbitol acetals (e.g., bis(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol). For example, trisamide compounds (e.g., trisamide derivatives formally derived from 1,3,5-benzenetriamine, 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid, 5-aminoisophthalic acid, or trimesic acid) initially showed promise due to the fact that relatively low loadings of such compounds could produce haze levels in polypropylene polymers that rivaled those achieved with bis(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol. Despite their initial promise, the disclosed trisamide compounds still cannot produce haze levels to rival those of the more transparent polymers. Furthermore, many of the disclosed trisamide compounds can be extracted from the polypropylene to which they are added. These undesirable levels of extraction render such trisamide compounds less suitable for use in food contact and medical applications (i.e., applications in which the polymer clarified with the trisamide compound comes into contact with food [e.g., food storage or packaging] or is used in medical devices [e.g., syringes]), where industry preference and/or regulatory requirements demand additives that exhibit minimal extraction from the polymer.

Thus, a need remains for clarifying agents that can both produce desirably low haze levels in polyolefin polymers and exhibit minimal extraction from the polyolefin polymer to which they are added. A need also remains for polymer compositions incorporating such clarifying agents and which exhibit the desired combination of low haze and minimal extraction of the clarifying agent. The various embodiments described herein seek to provide such clarifying agents and compositions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I)

wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups.

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a polymer composition comprising a composition as described above (i.e., a composition comprising one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I)) and a polyolefin polymer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the invention provides a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I) below, which is a trisamide compound formally derived from trimesic acid (i.e., benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid). The structure of Formula (I) is as follows:

In Formula (I), the groups R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups.

The groups R¹, R², and R³ can be any suitable alkyl group. In a preferred embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂₀ alkyl groups (e.g., C₃-C₂₀ alkyl groups), more preferably C₁-C₁₂ alkyl groups (e.g., C₃-C₁₂ alkyl groups), even more preferably C₁-C₈ alkyl groups (e.g., C₃-C₈ alkyl groups), and most preferably C₁-C₅ alkyl groups (e.g., C₂-C₅ alkyl groups or C₃-C₅ alkyl groups). Suitable alkyl groups can be either linear or branched. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is a branched alkyl group. In another preferred embodiment, at least two of R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected branched alkyl groups. In yet another preferred embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ are each an independently selected branched alkyl group. In those embodiments containing branched alkyl groups, the alkyl group can contain any suitable number of carbon atoms, with preferred examples being C₃-C₂₀ branched alkyl groups, C₃-C₁₂ branched alkyl groups, C₃-C₈ branched alkyl groups, and C₃-C₅ branched alkyl groups. Suitable branched alkyl groups preferably contain a branch point located at the alpha-carbon or beta-carbon relative to the cyclohexanediyl moiety.

In a preferred embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl (i.e., butan-2-yl or 1-methylpropyl), isobutyl (i.e., 2-methylpropyl), tert-butyl (i.e., 1,1-dimethylethyl), n-pentyl, tert-pentyl (i.e., 2-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,1-dimethylpropyl), neopentyl (i.e., 2,2-dimethylpropyl), isopentyl (i.e., 3-methylbutyl), sec-pentyl (i.e., pentan-2-yl or 1-methylbutyl), sec-isopentyl (i.e., 3-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,2-dimethylpropyl), pentan-3-yl (i.e., 1-ethylpropyl), and 2-methylbutyl. In a more preferred embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl (i.e., butan-2-yl or 1-methylpropyl), isobutyl (i.e., 2-methylpropyl), tert-butyl (i.e., 1,1-dimethylethyl), tert-pentyl (i.e., 2-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,1-dimethylpropyl), sec-pentyl (i.e., pentan-2-yl or 1-methylbutyl), sec-isopentyl (i.e., 3-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,2-dimethylpropyl), and pentan-3-yl (i.e., 1-ethylpropyl). In yet another preferred embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl (i.e., 2-methylpropyl), tert-butyl (i.e., 1,1-dimethylethyl), and tert-pentyl (i.e., 2-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,1-dimethylpropyl).

As noted above, at least one of R¹, R², and R³ preferably is a branched alkyl group. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is selected from the group consisting of isopropyl, sec-butyl (i.e., butan-2-yl or 1-methylpropyl), isobutyl (i.e., 2-methylpropyl), tert-butyl (i.e., 1,1-dimethylethyl), tert-pentyl (i.e., 2-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,1-dimethylpropyl), neopentyl (i.e., 2,2-dimethylpropyl), isopentyl (i.e., 3-methylbutyl), sec-pentyl (i.e., pentan-2-yl or 1-methylbutyl), sec-isopentyl (i.e., 3-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,2-dimethylpropyl), pentan-3-yl (i.e., 1-ethylpropyl), and 2-methylbutyl. In another preferred embodiment, at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is selected from the group consisting of isopropyl, sec-butyl (i.e., butan-2-yl or 1-methylpropyl), isobutyl (i.e., 2-methylpropyl), tert-butyl (i.e., 1,1-dimethylethyl), tert-pentyl (i.e., 2-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,1-dimethylpropyl), sec-pentyl (i.e., pentan-2-yl or 1-methylbutyl), sec-isopentyl (i.e., 3-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,2-dimethylpropyl), and pentan-3-yl (i.e., 1-ethylpropyl). In a more preferred embodiment, at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is selected from the group consisting of isopropyl, isobutyl (i.e., 2-methylpropyl), tert-butyl (i.e., 1,1-dimethylethyl), and tert-pentyl (i.e., 2-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,1-dimethylpropyl). In yet another preferred embodiment, at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is selected from the group consisting of tert-butyl (i.e., 1,1-dimethylethyl) and tert-pentyl (i.e., 2-methylbutan-2-yl or 1,1-dimethylpropyl). In another preferred embodiment, at least two of R¹, R², and R³ are branched alkyl groups independently selected from one of the groups set forth in this paragraph. In a preferred embodiment, each of R¹, R², and R³ is a branched alkyl group independently selected from one of the groups set forth in this paragraph.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a trimesic acid derivative selected from the group consisting of

-   (i) N,N,N-tri(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (ii) N,N,N-tri(4-n-propylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (iii) N,N,N-tri(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (iv) N,N,N-tri(4-n-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (v) N,N,N-tri(4-isobutylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (vi) N,N,N-tri(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (vii)     N,N,N-tri(4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; and -   (viii) mixtures thereof (i.e., mixtures of two or more of any of the     foregoing compounds).     In one preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(4-n-propylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In yet     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(4-n-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In yet     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(4-isobutylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     yet another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.

As can be seen in Formula (I), each cyclohexanediyl moiety is substituted with non-hydrogen substituents (i.e., the R¹, R², or R³ group and the amide substituted benzene moiety) in both the 1- and 4-positions. The non-hydrogen substituents attached to each cyclohexanediyl moiety can be arranged in two different spatial arrangements relative to each other. Both non-hydrogen substituents can lie on the same side of the mean plane of the cyclohexane ring, which corresponds to the cis-configuration, or both non-hydrogen substituents can lie on opposite sides of the mean plane of the cyclohexane ring, which corresponds to the trans-configuration. Each of the R¹, R², and R³ groups can be disposed in either the cis-position or trans-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the R¹, R², and R³ groups is disposed in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety. In another preferred embodiment, at least two of the R¹, R², and R³ groups are disposed in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety. In yet another preferred embodiment, each of the R¹, R², and R³ groups is disposed in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a trimesic acid derivative selected from the group consisting of

-   (i) N,N,N-tri(cis-4-methylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (ii)     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-n-propylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (iii)     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-isopropylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (iv) N,N,N-tri(cis-4-n-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (v) N,N,N-tri(cis-4-isobutylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (vi)     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; -   (vii)     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide;     and -   (viii) mixtures thereof (i.e., mixtures of two or more of any of the     foregoing compounds).     In one preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-methylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-n-propylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     yet another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-isopropylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-n-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     yet another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-isobutylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide. In     another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.     In yet another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises     N,N,N-tri(cis-4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.

As noted above, the present application also encompasses compositions containing one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I), such as a composition containing a mixture of two or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I). (In this context, cis- and trans-isomers are considered different compounds such that a mixture of two or more isomers constitutes a composition containing a mixture of two or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I).) In such embodiments, it is preferred that 60% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). More preferably, about 65% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In another preferred embodiment, about 70% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In yet another preferred embodiment, about 75% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In another preferred embodiment, about 80% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In yet another preferred embodiment, about 85% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In another preferred embodiment, about 90% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In yet another preferred embodiment, about 95% or more (e.g., about 96% or more, about 97% or more, about 98% or more, or about 99% or more) of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of all the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety).

In another preferred embodiment of a composition containing a mixture of two or more compounds of Formula (I), about 60 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). More preferably, about 65 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In yet another preferred embodiment, about 70 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In another preferred embodiment, about 75 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In yet another preferred embodiment, about 80 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In another preferred embodiment, about 85 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In yet another preferred embodiment, about 90 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety). In another preferred embodiment, about 95 mol. % or more (e.g., about 96 mol. % or more, about 97 mol % or more, about 98 mol. % or more, or about 99 mol. % or more) of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the non-hydrogen substituent attached to the 1-position of the corresponding cyclohexanediyl moiety (i.e., in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety).

The trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) can be produced using any suitable method or synthetic process. For example, the compound can be produced by reacting the desired 4-alkylcyclohexylamine with 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (i.e., the acid chloride of trimesic acid) to produce a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I).

Trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) in which one of R¹, R², and R³ is different can be produced by first reacting a 5-alkoxycarbonylisophthalic acid (e.g., 5-methoxycarbonylisophthalic acid) with oxalyl chloride to produce an acid chloride compound of Formula (J) below

where R¹¹ is an alkyl group (e.g., a methyl group). The acid chloride compound of Formula (J) can then be reacted with the desired 4-alkylcyclohexylamine to produce the intermediate compound of Formula (K) below

The intermediate compound of Formula (K) can then be saponified with an appropriate base (e.g., lithium hydroxide) to yield the corresponding carboxylate salt (e.g., lithium salt of the carboxylic acid) and alcohol (i.e., an alcohol having the structure R¹¹OH, such as methanol when R¹¹ is methyl). The corresponding carboxylate salt can then be hydrolyzed with an appropriate acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) to produce the acid of Formula (L) below

The acid of Formula (L) can then be reacted with oxalyl chloride to yield the corresponding acid chloride compound of Formula (M) below

Finally, the acid chloride of Formula (M) can be reacted with the desired 4-alkylcyclohexylamine to produce the desired trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I).

Trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) in which R¹, R², and R³ are each different can be produced in several ways. One possible approach would be to react 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride with a mixture of three different 4-alkylcyclohexylamines. This procedure would yield a reaction product containing several trimesic acid derivatives, including the desired asymmetric trimesic acid derivative (i.e., a derivative in which R¹, R², and R³ are each different). The desired trimesic acid derivative can then be separated from the reaction product using known separation techniques.

Alternatively, the synthesis of such trimesic acid derivatives can begin with a 3-iodo-5-(alkoxycarbonyl)benzoic acid compound of Formula (P) below (e.g., 3-iodo-5-(methoxycarbonyl)benzoic acid))

where R¹¹ is alkyl group (e.g., a methyl group). The compound of Formula (P) can be reacted with oxalyl chloride to produce the corresponding acid chloride of Formula (Q) below

The acid chloride of Formula (Q) can then be reacted with the desired 4-alkylcyclohexylamine to produce the intermediate compound of Formula (R) below

The intermediate compound of Formula (R) can then be saponified with an appropriate base (e.g., lithium hydroxide) to yield the corresponding carboxylate salt (e.g., lithium salt of the carboxylic acid) and alcohol (i.e., an alcohol having the structure R¹¹OH, such as methanol when R¹¹ is methyl). The corresponding carboxylate salt can then be hydrolyzed with an appropriate acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) to produce the acid of Formula (S) below

The acid of Formula (S) can be reacted with oxalyl chloride to yield the corresponding acid chloride compound, which is then reacted with the desired 4-alkylcylcohexylamine to yield the intermediate bisamide compound of Formula (T) below

The intermediate bisamide compound of Formula (T) can then be converted to the corresponding carboxylic acid of Formula (U) below

by any of several suitable techniques, such as palladium-catalyzed addition of carbon monoxide and an acid workup. The carboxylic acid of Formula (U) can then be reacted with oxalyl chloride to yield the corresponding acid chloride. Finally, the acid chloride can be reacted with the desired 4-alkylcyclohexylamine to yield the trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I).

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a polymer composition comprising a composition as described above (i.e., a composition comprising one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I)) and a polymer. In such embodiment, the trimesic acid derivative(s) of Formula (I) can be any of the embodiments (e.g., specific compounds or compositions containing mixtures of compounds) discussed above in connection with the first embodiment of the invention.

The polymer composition can comprise any suitable polymer. Preferably, the polymer is a thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, acrylic polymer, or mixture thereof. More preferably, the polymer is a polyolefin polymer, such as a polypropylene polymer, a polyethylene polymer, a polymethylpentene polymer (e.g., poly(4-methyl-1-pentene)), a polybutylene polymer, a poly(vinyl cyclohexane) polymer, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is a polypropylene polymer. More preferably, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene homopolymers (e.g., atactic polypropylene homopolymer, isotactic polypropylene homopolymer, and syndiotactic polypropylene homopolymer), polypropylene copolymers (e.g., polypropylene random copolymers), polypropylene impact copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polypropylene copolymers include, but are not limited to, random copolymers made from the polymerization of propylene in the presence of a comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene, but-1-ene (i.e., 1-butene), and hex-1-ene (i.e., 1-hexene). In such polypropylene random copolymers, the comonomer can be present in any suitable amount, but typically is present in an amount of less than about 10 wt. % (e.g., about 1 to about 7 wt. %). Suitable polypropylene impact copolymers include, but are not limited to, those produced by the addition of a copolymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), ethylenepropylene-diene monomer (EPDM), polyethylene, and plastomers to a polypropylene homopolymer or polypropylene random copolymer. In such polypropylene impact copolymers, the copolymer can be present in any suitable amount, but typically is present in an amount of from about 5 to about 25 wt. %. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition comprises a polyolefin polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene random copolymers, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the polymer composition comprises a polypropylene random copolymer.

The polymer composition of the invention can contain any suitable amount of the trimesic acid derivative(s) of Formula (I) described above. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition, at least 0.0001 wt. % (e.g., at least 0.001 wt. %) of a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I). In another preferred embodiment, the polymer composition comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition, at least 0.002 wt. %, at least 0.003 wt. %, at least 0.004 wt. %, at least 0.005 wt. %, at least 0.01 wt. %, at least 0.02 wt. %, at least 0.03 wt. %, at least 0.04 wt. %, at least 0.05 wt. %, at least 0.1 wt. %, at least 0.3 wt. %, at least 0.5 wt. %, at least 1 wt. %, at least 5 wt. %, or at least 10 wt. % of a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I). In another embodiment, the polymer composition preferably comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition, less than 99 wt. % of a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I). In another preferred embodiment, the polymer composition comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition, less than 95 wt. %, less than 80 wt. %, less than 50 wt. %, less than 25 wt. %, less than 10 wt. %, less than 5 wt. %, less than 2 wt. %, less than 1 wt. %, less than 0.5 wt. %, less than 0.2 wt. %, less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.07 wt. % of a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I). In a series of particularly preferred embodiments, the polymer composition comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition, 0.001 wt. % to 0.5 wt. % (e.g., 0.01 wt. % to 0.5 wt. % or 0.05 wt. % to 0.5 wt. %), 0.001 wt. % to 0.2 wt. % (e.g., 0.01 wt. % to 0.2 wt. % or 0.05 wt. % to 0.2 wt. %), 0.001 wt. % to 0.1 wt. % (e.g., 0.01 wt. % to 0.1 wt. % or 0.05 wt. % to 0.1 wt. %), or 0.001 wt. % to 0.07 wt. % (e.g., 0.01 wt. % to 0.07 wt. %) of a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I). As noted above, the polymer composition of the invention can comprise more than one trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I). In those embodiments in which the polymer composition comprises more than one trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I), each trimesic acid derivative can be present in an amount falling within one of the ranges recited above, or the combined amount of all trimesic acid derivatives in the composition can fall within one of the ranges recited above.

The polymer composition described herein can contain other polymer additives in addition to the trimesic acid derivative(s) of Formula (I). Suitable additional polymer additives include, but are not limited to, antioxidants (e.g., phenolic antioxidants, phosphite antioxidants, and combinations thereof), anti-blocking agents (e.g., amorphous silica and diatomaceous earth), pigments (e.g., organic pigments and inorganic pigments) and other colorants (e.g., dyes and polymeric colorants), fillers and reinforcing agents (e.g., glass, glass fibers, talc, calcium carbonate, and magnesium oxysulfate whiskers), nucleating agents, clarifying agents, acid scavengers (e.g., metal salts of fatty acids, such as the metal salts of stearic acid), polymer processing additives (e.g., fluoropolymer polymer processing additives), polymer cross-linking agents, slip agents (e.g., fatty acid amide compounds derived from the reaction between a fatty acid and ammonia or an amine-containing compound), fatty acid ester compounds (e.g., fatty acid ester compounds derived from the reaction between a fatty acid and a hydroxyl-containing compound, such as glycerol, diglycerol, and combinations thereof), and combinations of the foregoing.

The polymer composition described herein can be produced by any suitable method. For example, the polyolefin composition can be produced by simple mixing (e.g., high shear or high intensity mixing) of the polyolefin polymer, the composition comprising the trimesic acid derivative(s) of Formula (I), and any additional optional components. Alternatively, an additive composition comprising the trimesic acid derivative(s) of Formula (I) and any additional optional components (such as those described above) can be pre-blended to provide a pre-blend composition. This pre-blend composition can then be mixed with the polymer to produce the polymer composition described above. The polymer composition can be provided in any form suitable for use in further processing to produce an article. For example, the polymer composition can be provided in the form of a powder (e.g., free-flowing powder), flake, pellet, prill, tablet, agglomerate, and the like.

The polymer composition described herein is believed to be useful in producing thermoplastic articles. The polymer composition can be formed into the desired thermoplastic article by any suitable technique, such as injection molding, injection rotational molding, blow molding (e.g., injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding), extrusion (e.g., sheet extrusion, film extrusion, cast film extrusion, or foam extrusion), extrusion blow molding, thermoforming, rotomolding, film blowing (blown film), film casting (cast film), and the like.

The polymer composition described herein can be used to produce any suitable article or product. Suitable products include, but are not limited to, medical devices (e.g., pre-filled syringes for retort applications, intravenous supply containers, and blood collection apparatus), food packaging, liquid containers (e.g., containers for drinks, medications, personal care compositions, shampoos, and the like), apparel cases, microwavable articles, shelving, cabinet doors, mechanical parts, automobile parts, sheets, pipes, tubes, rotationally molded parts, blow molded parts, films, fibers, and the like.

The polymer composition of the invention has been observed to exhibit a very desirable combination of low haze coupled with low extraction of the trimesic acid derivative(s) of Formula (I). Polymer compositions (e.g., polypropylene random copolymer compositions) containing a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I) generally exhibit haze levels that are at least 15% lower than the haze levels exhibited by polymer compositions containing structurally similar trimesic acid derivatives that are not encompassed by Formula (I). Further, polymer compositions containing certain trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) have been observed to exhibit single digit haze levels that rival those exhibited by more transparent polymers, such as polystyrene and acrylic polymers. As noted above, these polymer compositions also exhibit exceptionally good (i.e., low) extraction of the trimesic acid derivative(s) of Formula (I) from the polymer composition. Indeed, polymer compositions containing certain trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) have been observed to exhibit extraction levels that are one to two orders of magnitude less than the extraction levels exhibited by polymer compositions containing structurally similar trimesic acid derivatives that are not encompassed by Formula (I). These properties exhibited by the inventive polymer compositions are believed to make the polymer compositions especially well-suited for use in making thermoplastic articles or products requiring low haze levels and low extraction, such as articles and products destined for food contact and medical applications.

The following examples further illustrate the subject matter described above but, of course, should not be construed as in any way limiting the scope thereof.

Example 1

This example describes the preparation of a trimesic acid derivative according to the invention.

6.53 g (57.7 mmol) of cis-4-methylcyclohexylamine, 0.10 g LiCl, and 25.62 g (253.2 mmol) of triethylamine (TEA) were added to 550 mL of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) under an inert atmosphere.

4.52 g (17.0 mmol) of 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride dissolved in 100 mL of anhydrous DMF was added under inert atmosphere to the above cis-4-methylcyclohexylamine, LiCl, TEA reaction mixture over a 15 min period with stirring at 25° C. The reaction solution was then heated to 80° C. and stirred for 48 h.

After cooling the reaction mixture to 25° C., the reaction slurry was charged with 700 mL of methanol and stirred for 48 h. The precipitated solids were then collected by suction filtration and then washed with methanol (2×200 mL).

The isolated solids were then dried in a vacuum oven at 140° C. for 18 hours. The reaction yielded 6.62 g of a fine white powder (78.4%). The product was confirmed to be N,N,N-tri(cis-4-methylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5,-benzenetricarboxamide.

Example 2

This example demonstrates the production of polymer compositions according to the invention and the properties of such polymer compositions.

Seven trimesic acid derivatives were first synthesized in accordance with the general procedure described above and demonstrated in Example 1. The trimesic acid derivatives are listed in Table 1 below. Compounds 1-6 were each provided in the form of compositions (e.g., reaction products) in which greater than 99% of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition were in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety. Compound 7 was provided in the form of a composition (e.g., a reaction product) in which about 54% of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition were in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety. The percentage of R¹, R², and R³ groups in the composition in the cis-position was determined using ¹H NMR.

TABLE 1 Compound IDs and compound names for trimesic acid derivatives used in making polymer compositions. Compound ID Compound Name Compound 1 N,N,N-tri(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)- 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide Compound 2 N,N,N-tri(4-isobutylcyclohexyl)- 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide Compound 3 N,N,N-tri(4-n-butylcyclohexyl)- 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide Compound 4 N,N,N-tri(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)- 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide Compound 5 N,N,N-tri(4-n-propylcyclohexyl)- 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide Compound 6 N,N,N-tri(4-methylcyclohexyl)- 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide Compound 7 N,N,N-tri(4-methylcyclohexyl)- 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide

Polymer compositions were made by compounding each trimesic acid derivative into a 12 MFR polypropylene random copolymer (SA849 RCP from LyondellBasell). The trimesic acid derivatives (i.e., Compounds 1-7) were each added gravimetrically to pellets of the polymer (0.80 gram of powder additive per 1000 gm of additive/polymer mixture to obtain 800 ppm trimesic acid derivative) and then mixed in a Henschel high intensity mixer. The resulting mixture was melt compounded on a Deltaplast single screw compounding extruder with a 25 mm screw diameter and length/diameter ratio of 30:1 at 260° C. The extrudate (in the form a strand) for each sample was cooled in a water bath and subsequently pelletized. The melt-compounded polymer composition was then injection molded using a 40-ton ARBURG ALLROUNDER 221 K injection molding machine to produce plaques with dimensions of approximately 51 mm×76 mm with a thickness of 0.76 mm with a 260° C. flat profile barrel temperature and 100 bar back-pressure. Plaque dimensions were verified with a micrometer after aging for 24 hours.

The percent haze of the plaques (including a control plaque made without a trimesic acid derivative) was then measured in accordance with ASTM Standard D1103-92 using a BYK-Gardner Haze-Guard Plus.

The plaques were also tested to determine the amount of the trimesic acid derivative that was extracted using a specified set of conditions. In particular, extractions were conducted at 100° C. for 2 hours using 550 mL stainless steel vessels with Teflon-lined, stainless steel lids. Glass spacers were used to ensure separation of polymer samples during migration testing. Extractions utilized 25% ethanol solutions. Ethanol was absolute grade. Water was deionized and obtained using an ion exchange purification system. Duplicated migration tests in solvent were performed using two plaques immersed in 250 mL of solvent. Control plaques were also prepared without a trimesic acid derivative and extracted using the conditions described above. Aliquots (˜1 mL) were removed from extraction solvents after each heating time to a vial for LC analysis.

A 1000 ppm solution of each trimesic acid derivative was prepared by dissolving 0.100 g in NMP and dilutions were prepared in 100% Ethanol. These solutions were used to obtain a calibration plot for each trimesic acid derivative. Water ACQUITY UPLC with Phenomenex Kinetex (particle size 2.6 μm) as analytical column and both PDA and MS as detectors were used as LC apparatus. Column temperature was 40° C. The mobile phase used was methanol and water. The flow rate was set at 0.4 mL/min. The sample injection volume was 1-5 μL. The mass spectrometer was used in single ion recording (SIR) mode using SQD2 detector. The wavelength in the PDA detector was set at 200-800 nm. Each trimesic acid derivative was identified by comparison of its retention time with corresponding peaks in the standard solution and its MS and UV spectrum. Quantification was carried out using a calibration plot of an external standard. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined by extrapolation to a signal to noise ratio of 3:1.

The results of the haze and extraction measurements are set forth in Table 2 below. In the column for the amount extracted, the notation “N.D.” means “none detected,” indicating that the amount (if any) of the trimesic acid derivative extracted could not be quantified because the measurement did not return a signal that exceeded the limit of detection (LOD) noted above.

TABLE 2 Extraction and haze measurements for polymer compositions made with Compounds 1-7 and the control polymer composition. Compound ID Amount extracted (ppb) Haze (%) None (control) — 39.3 Compound 1 N.D. 10.4 Compound 2 N.D.  7.0 Compound 3 N.D.  5.3 Compound 4  13  5.5 Compound 5 N.D.  7.8 Compound 6  50 12.8 Compound 7 216 17.9

As can be seen from the data in Table 2, the polymer compositions made with Compounds 1-6 each exhibited very low extraction levels (i.e., 50 ppb or less). Indeed, the polymer compositions made with Compounds 1-3 and 5 exhibited extraction levels (if any) that were below the limit of detection. By way of contract, the polymer composition made with Compound 7 exhibited extraction levels that exceeded 200 ppb, which is more than a four-fold increase over the extraction exhibited by the polymer composition made with Compound 6. These extraction results are surprising considering the only difference between Compound 6 and Compound 7 is the cis-content of the two samples. Further, the results show that these exceedingly low extraction levels were consistently exhibited by trimesic acid derivatives having a relatively high cis-content.

Additionally, the data in Table 2 shows that each of Compounds 1-7 significantly lowered the haze level of the polymer composition relative to the control, which did not contain a trimesic acid derivative. However, the haze level for the polymer composition made with Compound 7 was nearly 40% higher than the haze level for the polymer composition made with Compound 6, which was the next nearest sample in terms of haze. These results show that trimesic acid derivatives having a relatively high cis-content consistently deliver improved haze performance relative to similar trimesic acid derivatives having lower cis-content (e.g., less than 60% cis-content).

In view of the above, the inventors believe that the trimesic acid derivatives of the invention are exceptional due to their very desirable combination of low haze and low extraction. It is believed that polymer compositions made with such trimesic acid derivatives will be suitable for a wide range of applications that require polymer compositions exhibiting low haze and extraction levels (e.g., food contact and medical device applications).

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the subject matter of this application (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the subject matter of the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the subject matter unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the subject matter described herein.

Preferred embodiments of the subject matter of this application are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the subject matter described herein to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I)

wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups; and wherein 60% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₈ alkyl groups.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is a branched alkyl group.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein at least two of R¹, R², and R³ are branched alkyl groups.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein each of R¹, R², and R³ is a branched alkyl group.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a trimesic acid derivative selected from the group consisting of: N,N,N-tri(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; N,N,N-tri(4-n-propylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; N,N,N-tri(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; N,N,N-tri(4-n-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; N,N,N-tri(4-isobutylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; N,N,N-tri(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; N,N,N-tri(4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide; and mixtures thereof.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises N,N,N-tri(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.
 8. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises N,N,N-tri(4-n-propylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.
 9. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises N,N,N-tri(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.
 10. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises N,N,N-tri(4-n-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.
 11. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises N,N,N-tri(4-isobutylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.
 12. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises N,N,N-tri(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.
 13. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises N,N,N-tri(4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide.
 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein 90% or more of the R¹, R², and R³ groups of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition are in the cis position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein about 50 mol. % or more of the trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) present in the composition have R¹, R², and R³ groups that are each in the cis-position relative to the bond to the nitrogen atom attached to the cyclohexanediyl moiety.
 16. A polymer composition comprising: (a) the composition of claim 1; and (b) a polyolefin polymer.
 17. The polymer composition of claim 16, wherein the polyolefin polymer is a polypropylene polymer.
 18. The polymer composition of claim 17, wherein the polyolefin polymer is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene random copolymers, and mixtures thereof.
 19. The polymer composition of claim 18, wherein the polyolefin polymer is a polypropylene random copolymer.
 20. The polymer composition of claim 16, wherein the composition contains about 0.001 wt. % or more of trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I), based on the total weight of the polymer composition. 